1.
Before ascending the throne as Emperor, Princess Yuan Chang, Xue Lingyi, spent more than ten years living in the residence of Minister Xie as a daughter of the Xie family.
At the time, the Xie family was immensely powerful. Even members of the imperial clan treated them with deference, and those from humble backgrounds could not hope to associate with them.
Besides the wealth accumulated by the Xie ancestors, the family's standing owed much to its eldest young master, Xie Zhiwei, who had been made a marquis and appointed chancellor at a very young age.
Those in high positions were cold and unfeeling, treating everyone with indifference.
So even though Xue Lingyi lived under the same roof as him for more than ten years, seeing him every day as his younger sister, she had never sensed any deep affection between them.
2.
In the thirteenth year of Yuanning, Xue Lingyi's true identity was revealed to the world, and she ascended the throne.
She faced a dynasty beset by internal turmoil and external threats, with everything in need of rebuilding. The court officials all had their own agendas, and the borders were under constant attack.
The empress, who had lain low for ten years, refused to be a puppet. She ruled with an iron fist, killing gods and Buddhas alike.
Once everything was within her grasp, she turned her attention to the person who seemed most beyond her reach.
She would make him bow his head and submit to her.
3.
In the third year of Ningchang, a minister proposed that His Majesty fill the imperial harem and secure an heir.
Xue Lingyi was sure Xie Zhiwei would join the other ministers in submitting a memorial to denounce her for usurping a man's role and ruining the country with her debauchery, so she waited for him to make his move.
What she never expected was that he would offer himself to her.
Wearing the bamboo-green robe embroidered with gold that he had worn when they first met, he knelt before her.
1. One true pairing, happy ending, fictional setting.
2. Truly at odds (no), only half-true: pretending to be at odds to trap the villain (yes).
3. Expected to start in November. Over 130,000 words drafted. (My new computer keeps giving me trouble and breaking down, seriously slowing my writing. Please let me save up a few more chapters. I'm begging you all to wait another month. I'll definitely start in November!)
Theme: Love
